Niagara® 9100 Series User Guide
© 2012 ViewCast Corporation. All rights reserved. ViewCast, Niagara SCX, ViewCast logo, SimulStream, Niagara, GoStream, Niagara logo, and Osprey are trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewCast Corporation or its subsidiaries. Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows, Windows Media, and Silverlight are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation QuickTime, iPhone, iPad, and iPod are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Contents Before You Begin ................................................................................................................ 1 Product description.......................................................................................................................... 1 Audience .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Conventions for this guide ..................
Contents Basic Operations ............................................................................................................... 30 Logging in ....................................................................................................................................... 30 Creating an encoder....................................................................................................................... 32 Viewing all encoders .........................................................
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab ............................................................................................................................... 90 DRM tab................................................................................................................................... 93 Digital Inputs ..................................................................................................................... 95 Adaptive Apple HTTP encoder with digital inputs ............
Contents IP Inputs ........................................................................................................................... 153 IP ingest........................................................................................................................................ 153 Video tab ............................................................................................................................... 154 Audio tab ..............................................................
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide UDP Port for SNMP Requests ................................................................................................ 186 UDP Port for SNMP Traps ...................................................................................................... 186 Install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service .......................................................................................... 187 Installing for the first time ............................................................
Contents Appendix D: System Menu (LCD Display) ..................................................................... 233 System status menu ..................................................................................................................... 233 CPU ........................................................................................................................................ 233 Memory .................................................................................................
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Before You Begin Thank you for purchasing the ViewCast Niagara 9100 series streaming media system. The Niagara 9100 is a high-density/high-performing multiple encoder platform for service providers, broadcasters, and enterprises. The Niagara 9100 can be configured for a variety of video and audio inputs including HD SDI, component, Y/C, composite video with balanced, unbalanced, embedded, and AES/EBU audio.
Before You Begin Conventions for this guide This guide uses the following document conventions to help you identify different types of information. Convention Bold text Note: IMPORTANT! 2 Description Characters to enter when referenced in a procedure. The name of fields or keys to press. Provides supplemental information. Provides important data that affects how the system or software responds. Example In the example, enter DTMF as the group type. Press Enter to save your changes.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Rack mount safety instructions Operating Temperature The operating ambient temperature of a rack environment may be greater than room ambient if installed in a closed or multiunit rack assembly. Therefore, you should install the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature of 40° C. Reduced Air Flow You must not compromise the airflow required for safe equipment operation when you install the equipment in a rack.
Before You Begin FCC notice WARNING! You must connect this device and peripherals using shielded cables to comply with FCC radio emission limits. WARNING! Modifications to this device not approved by ViewCast Corporation could void the FCC-granted authority for you to operate the device. WARNING! The Niagara 9100 series complies with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Installing additional software Niagara systems run an embedded version of the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system (OS), which is a sub-set of the normal retail version. The Microsoft License agreement limits the use of the system to what the machine is designed to do. The Microsoft Update process is turned off by default to prevent interruptions during live streaming events.
Before You Begin Environmental notices Product Disposal Information: Dispose of this product in accordance with local and national disposal regulations (if any) including those regulations governing the recovery and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Warnings Only trained and qualified personnel should install, replace, or service this system. Do not attempt to open the case of the system. If you do so, you incur a high risk of electrical shock that may cause damage to the system or personal physical injury or death to you and/or others. No userserviceable parts exist inside the system. If you open the system case or make unauthorized changes to the case, ViewCast voids your warranty.
Before You Begin Refer all servicing to authorized service personnel. You must have authorized personnel only service any damaged system.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Overview Before you can use your Niagara 9100 series streaming media system, you first need to set up and configure it. This chapter is dedicated to providing you with the details and step-by-step instructions you need to make your installation as quick-and-easy as possible.
Overview Install overview You must complete the following primary tasks to install the Niagara system: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Address and comply with all prerequisites. Connect the Niagara system using its power source. Connect the video source (camera or video recorder) to the system. Connect the system to an IP network. Configure the Niagara system.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide System requirements Ensure your computer meets the following system requirements. Browser interface Any Firefox or Internet Explorer (IE)-based computer, workstation, or laptop that interfaces to a dynamic host configuration protocol/domain name server (DHCP/DNS)compatible network User Interface High-speed Internet and dial-up users Specifications ViewCast Multi-core processors 500 GB SATA HDD 1U rack mount system (1RU x 17” W x 25.6” D) 41 lbs (18.
Overview Niagara 9100 series front panel You should familiarize yourself with the front panel controls for the Niagara 9100 series. Remove the front panel to access additional functionality such as USB ports and the power button. Figure 2 and the table below illustrate the buttons and lights that constitute the front panel functions. Figure 2. Niagara 9100 series front panel A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. Hard-drive bays. Pull the lever to release the bay.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide O. P. ViewCast Fast blinking red – fan failure Slow blinking red – power failure Solid red – CPU overheat Solid blue – Local UID button depressed Blinking blue – IPMI-activated UID Press the reset button to reboot the system. The main power button is used to turn off the power supply to the server system. Turning off system power removes the main power but keeps standby power supplied to the system.
Overview Niagara 9100 series back panel Figure 3 illustrates all connectors and other components of the Niagara 9100 series back panel. The connectors vary depending on the Osprey capture card installed. Figure 3 depicts the Niagara 9100-2D model. Figure 3. Niagara 9100 series back panel A. Provides system power. B. Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse. C. Use this port to connect a PS/2 keyboard. D. Use these ports to connect USB control devices, such as a USB memory device, keyboard, and mouse.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Connecting the system The following steps refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 9100 series systems only. Note: The redundant models include hot swappable power supply modules. To connect the system: 1. Connect the appropriate video and audio connectors (item J on Figure 3). 2. Connect the power AC adaptor (item A on Figure 3). For redundant models, two AC power connectors are available (Figure 4). 3. Attach the system to the network input (item H on Figure 3). 4.
Overview Niagara 9100 series directional buttons The Niagara 9100 series directional buttons (Figure 5) are located on front panel. The buttons direct the system menu that is also on the front panel. The menu allows you to view the status of the system and monitor. The system menu displays automatically when the Niagara 9100 is booted up. See Appendix D: System Menu (LCD Display) for a complete reference guide to the functions available through the system menu. Figure 5.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Niagara 9100 series home page The home page (Figure 6) is the first page presented after you log into the Niagara SCX remote management software. From this page, you can access the different windows for configuring, controlling, and monitoring the activities and alerts of the Niagara system. Figure 6. Series home page Menu bar commands The home page menu bar allows you to use the commands described in the table below.
Overview Menu Status Command Function encounters an operation error. 18 View Activity Log – View all system activities including the time and date of each event. View Alerts – View all alerts including the time and date of each alert. Maintenance Product Registration – Register your Niagara system to protect your investment. Log Out Log out of the system and return to the login screen.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Niagara 9100 series browser windows flow Figure 7 shows the interrelationship and flow of the available configuration windows you may use to configure the Niagara 9100 system. Figure 7.
Overview 20 ViewCast
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Easy Setup You should perform most setup and operations by accessing the web interface from a computer that resides on the same network as your Niagara system. The web interface provides the ability to control your Niagara system remotely from a computer that can be rooms or continents away from the system if both your Niagara system and the computer have Internet access to communicate with each other.
Easy Setup Web interface The web interface presents a logical flow of configuration information for the encoding system.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Easy first time set up You should read all instructions, notices, and warnings in the Before You Begin section before getting started with your new Niagara system for the first time. Also, ensure you have all required parts and meet all system requirements before installing this product. Do not continue with the installation if you find any components missing or damaged.
Easy Setup Performing the initial startup The steps in the following table refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 9100 series systems only. To perform the initial startup: 1. Ensure that you connect all devices (power cords, cables, audio/video sources, etc.) to the system. 2. Remove the front panel by pressing the release button and gently pulling the cover toward you. 3. Press Power on the front panel to start the system. Allow the system to boot. 4.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 6. The first time you start the Niagara 9100 and log in, the system prompts you for the date, time, and video standard. You may accept the default date, time, and video standard or enter your desired date, time, and video standard (Figure 9). Note: The Video Standard options in the drop-down list will vary depending on the configuration of your system. Figure 9. Date and time settings 7. Click Submit. 8.
Easy Setup Registering your product You have 30 days to register your product when you first activate the system. A reminder displays at the bottom of the Home and Encoders pages. You can register your system using three different methods: Product Registration page ViewCast website ViewCast Support help desk (Call 972-488-7157 and provide the serial number and SKU.) To register online: 1. Access the Product Registration page: Click Maintenance Product Registration.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide To register at viewcast.com: 1. Access the Product Registration page: Click Maintenance Product Registration. The Product Registration page displays (Figure 11). Note: The default is Register the product online. 2. Click Register the product on another computer or over the phone. Figure 12. Product registration 3. Copy the registration URL. 4. From another computer, open a browser and paste the URL into the address bar.
Easy Setup 5. Enter your name and contact information in the spaces provided. Figure 13. Contact information 6. Select the type of product. The serial number and SKU are automatically populated. Figure 14. Product information 7. 28 Click Submit. After a few seconds, a confirmation message displays.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Connecting to an IP network Some Niagara 9100 series systems have two 1 Gbit network interface ports and some have redundant IP connections. The network settings for these ports default to dynamically obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on the network. If a DHCP server is not available or is not found on the network, the system assigns its own IP address. Note: If you are not familiar with network protocols, contact your network administrator for assistance.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Basic Operations Basic operations include but are not limited to the following: Creating an encoder Viewing all encoder Starting an encoder Editing an encoder Stopping an encoder Logging in To log in: 1. Locate the serial number on the side or bottom of the system (in the format fe11430001). 2. 3. Open the web browser on your computer. You can either: Type the Niagara 9100 serial number in the address bar (Figure 15). Figure 15.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 6. Press Log In. The Niagara 9100 Welcome window and menu bar appear (Figure 18). Figure 18.
Basic Operations Creating an encoder The Niagara 9100 does not have any default encoders. You must create an encoder before you start streaming. To create an encoder, click Encoders All Encoders. The Encoders window displays (Figure 19). Figure 19. Encoders window To create an encoder: 1. Click the Create New Encoder link. The Create New Encoder window displays (Figure 20). Figure 20. Create New Encoder window 32 2. Select the Encoder Type from the drop-down list. 3. Enter the name of the encoder.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Viewing all encoders The Encoders window provides a list of the encoders loaded on the Niagara 9100 series system. On the home page, click Encoders All Encoders. Figure 21. Encoders window A. Click this link to edit the encoder properties, streaming settings, and advanced streaming settings. B. Click this link to delete an encoder from the list. C. Displays the encoder type (for example the Flash icon D. Displays the name you assigned to the encoder. E.
Basic Operations Starting an encoder To start an encoder, on the home page click Encoders All Encoders. To start an encoder: 1. Click the red circle (stopped) icon (Figure 22) in the Streaming column for the encoder you want to start streaming. Figure 22. Stopped icon Messages appear detailing the encoder start progress (Figure 23). Figure 23. Encoder status 2. The Encoders window appears with the encoder status updated and the streaming indicator changes to a blue circle Started icon (Figure 24).
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Stopping an encoder To stop an encoder, on the home page click Encoders All Encoders. To stop an encoder: 1. Click the blue circle (started) icon of the encoder you wish to stop streaming (Figure 25). Figure 25. Started icon Messages appear detailing the encoder stop progress (Figure 26). Figure 26.
Basic Operations Connecting an external storage device The Niagara 9100 series systems have two USB ports on the front panel and two on the back panel. You can connect almost any standard USB device to one or both of these ports. You can then export any audiovisual files you may have created on the system’s local storage drive. The local storage drive is drive D when you use the Save to File setting from the web interface.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Analog Inputs The Niagara system includes a web interface, which allows you to access the advanced system settings. The web interface also provides detailed settings and controls over the encoder profiles installed on the Niagara system. The web interface works with any computer that has a current web browser (Internet Explorer and Firefox), including Windows®, Macintosh®, and Linux® machines. For the best user experience, ViewCast recommends Internet Explorer.
Digital Inputs Adaptive Apple HTTP Live streaming encoder with analog inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an Adaptive Apple HTTP live streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 29. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Digital Inputs 5. 6. In the adaptive encoder video stream table, indicate which stream the player will use first (see Adaptive encoder video stream table). Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 31). Figure 31. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 7. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 32). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 33) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 33. Adaptive encoder video stream table A. The table displays five streams at a time.
Digital Inputs Figure 34. Additional functions 42 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.” Initial Click this link to have the player use this stream first. The settings for the initial stream appear in bold.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an Adaptive Apple encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 35. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 3. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an Adaptive Apple encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 36. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Stream to Network Host. CAUTION! Simultaneously publishing to server and file system increases CPU usage. 44 2. Select the Host Address. Note: When you select ftp://, the Passive FTP Mode displays.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles. Figure 37. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use the streaming server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event.
Digital Inputs Adaptive Adobe Flash Dynamic streaming encoder with analog inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash dynamic streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 39. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Digital Inputs 6. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 41). Figure 41. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 7. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 42). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Auto – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 11. the Frame Interval field. 0=disabled The range is 1 to 30 frames. Click Save Settings. Encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 43) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 43.
Digital Inputs Figure 44. Additional functions 50 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash dynamic streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 45. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 3.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash dynamic streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 46. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Stream to Flash Media Server. CAUTION! Simultaneously publishing to server and file system increases CPU usage. 2. Enter the destination FMS Address.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use a Flash Media server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 6. 7. Select Create unique folder to create a file that the system does not overwrite. Enter the user authentication Type.
Digital Inputs Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder with analog inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 49. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Digital Inputs 5. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 51). Figure 51. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 6. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 52). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Auto – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 53) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 53. Adaptive encoder video stream table A. The table displays five streams at a time.
Digital Inputs Figure 54. Additional functions 58 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 55. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 3.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 56. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Publish to IIS Host. 2. Enter the destination Host Address. Note: The Stream Path that displays is a combination of the host address and the publish point. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 60 Enter the Publish Point.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide right of the Folder field and display the options (Figure 57). Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles. See Connecting an external storage device for instructions on saving video files to a USB storage device. Figure 57. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity.
Digital Inputs Adobe Flash H.264 encoder with analog inputs To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, Output, and H.264 Presets tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 59. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Digital Inputs 6. Enter the Bitrate. 7. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 61). Figure 61. Video Filter Settings Note: Click the Restore button to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 8. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 62). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Auto – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 63. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the source connected on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 3. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 64. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Enable Streaming to enable live Flash streaming. 66 2. Enter the proper IP address in the Server Address field. 3. Enter the Stream Name. 4. 5. Select the Authentication Type from the drop-down list.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide capture.f4v. Figure 65. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use the streaming server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 11. ViewCast Click Save Settings.
Digital Inputs H.264 Presets These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations (Figure 66). Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Refer to Appendix B for suggested values for the type of video you are streaming. Use the following table to configure the H.264 analog presets for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 66. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 presets: 1.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide AVI encoder with analog inputs To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Digital Inputs Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 68. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 6. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 70). Figure 70. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 7. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 71). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Auto – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video.
Digital Inputs Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 72. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your video source. 2. 72 3. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 73. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. You can: Use the default setting, Save to File, to save the encoded content to a file. Each time you start this encoder, the system overwrites the previous file. Click Create unique file to create a file that the system does not overwrite. 2.
Digital Inputs Figure 74. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use the streaming server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 3. 74 Click Save Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide MPEG4 encoder with analog inputs To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Digital Inputs Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 76. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Standard proportion and CIF size are set to Video Device 1.1 while encoders capturing at Standard proportion but QCIF resolution are set to Video Device 1.2. 4. Click the type of Video Encoder for Internet video, mobile phones, set top boxes, and create media files for other MPEG-4 compatible devices such as iPods according to the Motion Picture Expert Group (MPEG) types (refer to Table 1 and Table 2).
Digital Inputs are still and which portions are in motion then applies different processing to each scenario. Figure 79. De-Interlace settings Note: Telecine and inverse telecine only apply to NTSC video. They are not used for PAL and SECAM video. The system disables Auto and Inverse Telecine choices when you select either PAL or SECAM as the video standard. 11. Click Save Settings. Table 1.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide H263 – 3G2 This setting creates an H.263 stream stored in a 3G2 container. Table 2. Valid output container selections for video encoder types Container MP4 H.263 Video 3GP N/A 3G2 TS MPEG-4 Video H.264 Video MPEG-2 IMPORTANT! You must select container type 3GP or 3G2 on the Output tab before video encoder H263 will appear on the Video tab.
Digital Inputs Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 80. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. 2. 3. 80 Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. Field 1 CC 1 is the default setting. Click the Audio Format. 4. Click the Audio Type.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: This tab is dynamic depending upon which encoder you select on the Video tab. The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 81. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Enable Streaming to stream your audiovisual content via RTSP. 2. Set the appropriate streaming properties. Note: The default settings will enable multicast streaming.
Digital Inputs quality degradation and encode session failure. 4. 5. 6. Select Save to File to save the encoded content to a file. Each time you start this encoder, the system overwrites the previous file. Select Create unique file to create a file that the system does not overwrite. Accept the default location that displays in the File Name field or choose your own location for the file (Figure 82).
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide H.264 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the H.264 presets analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 83. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations.
Digital Inputs MPEG-4 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the MPEG-4 presets analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 84. MPEG-4 Presets tab To configure MPEG-4 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations. Refer to the H.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide MPEG-2 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the MPEG-2 presets analog input settings for an MPEG2 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 85. MPEG-2 Presets tab To configure MPEG-2 presets: 5. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations.
Digital Inputs Microsoft Windows Media encoder with analog inputs To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, Output, and DRM tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for a Windows Media encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 87. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Digital Inputs also use the same Video and Audio Source settings. 4. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation. Figure 89. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of each filter to return the setting to the default. 5. Click the De-Interlace settings you want to apply (Figure 90). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Auto – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for a Windows Media encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 91. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. 2. 3. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. Field 1 CC 1 is the default setting. Select the Embedded Closed Caption to embed the closed captions. 4.
Digital Inputs Output tab Windows Media is both a storage format and a streaming format. In addition to the ability to output to a file, the Windows Media encoder can stream to a Windows Media Server. The settings for Windows Media encoder include the ability to set parameters for connecting and streaming to the server. Some Windows Media Capture Profiles have pre-defined video resolutions and input selections.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Figure 92. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Click on a Windows Media Capture Profile from the drop-down list. 2. Select Enable Pull. 3. Enter a port number that the server will use to pull the stream from the Niagara system. 4. Select Enable Push. IMPORTANT! Be sure to enter a port number not already assigned to another encoder. If two encoders attempt to use the same port number, one or both encoders will fail to start. 5.
Digital Inputs 12. Accept the default location that displays in the File Name field or choose your own location for the file. To choose your own personal location select the link (horizontal ellipses or … ) to the right of the File Name field and display the options (Figure 93). Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles with a default file name of capture.wmv. Figure 93. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide DRM tab You can protect your content using a technology called Digital Rights Management (DRM). Niagara SCX allows you to encrypt your content with DRM technology while you are encoding. You can apply DRM while encoding to a file and when broadcasting a stream. Users are required to obtain a license to play to content. This license contains the key to unlock the content and the rights that govern its use (Figure 94).
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Digital Inputs The Niagara system includes a web interface, which allows you to access the advanced system settings. The web interface also provides detailed settings and controls over the encoder profiles installed on the Niagara system. The web interface works with any computer that has a current web browser (Internet Explorer and Firefox), including Windows®, Macintosh®, and Linux® machines. For the best user experience, ViewCast recommends Internet Explorer.
Digital Inputs Adaptive Apple HTTP encoder with digital inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an Adaptive Apple HTTP encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 96. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. The Input field setting is SerialDigital. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your video source. 3.
Digital Inputs 6. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 98). Figure 98. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 7. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 99). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Bob0 – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 100) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 100. Adaptive encoder video stream table A. The table displays five streams at a time.
Digital Inputs Figure 101. Additional functions 100 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.” Initial Click this link to have the player use this stream first. The settings for the initial stream appear in bold.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an Adaptive Apple HTTP encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 102. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. Field 1 CC1 is the default. 2. Drag the sliders to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for an Adaptive Apple encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 103. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Stream to Network Host. CAUTION! Simultaneously publishing to server and file system increases CPU usage. 2. Select the Host Address: http:// ftp:// Note: When you select ftp://, the Passive FTP Mode displays.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 10. Accept the default location that displays in the Folder field or choose your own location for the file (Figure 104). To choose your own personal location select the link (horizontal ellipses or …) to the right of the Folder field to display the options. Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles. See Connecting an external storage device for instructions on saving video files to a USB storage device. Figure 104.
Digital Inputs Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder with digital inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the audio and video settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 106. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Input field, the video input is SerialDigital. 3. In the Input Size field, select the pixel size of the encoded video from the pre-determined sizes in the drop-down list.
Digital Inputs Note: Click the Restore button to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 6. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 109). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Bob0 – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine. – Switches dynamically between the two modes as the content changes. – Available for NTSC video only.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 110) contains four default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, and disable. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 110. Adaptive encoder video stream table A. The table displays five streams at a time. Additional streams display on additional pages.
Digital Inputs When you hover your cursor over a stream setting, additional functions display (Figure 111). Figure 111. Additional functions 108 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 112. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 3. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 113. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Stream to Flash Media Server. 2. Enter the destination FMS Address. Note: The Stream Path that displays is a combination of the FMS (Flash Media Server) address and the stream name. 3. 4. 5. Enter the Stream Name.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use a Flash Media server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 6. 7. 8. Select Create Unique file. Enter the Filename. Note: The File System that displays is a combination of the Folder and Filename.
Digital Inputs Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder with digital inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 116. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Input field, select the video input. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your video source. 3.
Digital Inputs 6. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 118). Figure 118. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 7. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 119). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Bob0 – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 120) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 120. Adaptive encoder video stream table A. The table displays five streams at a time.
Digital Inputs Figure 121. Additional functions 116 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 122. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 3.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 123. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Publish to IIS Host. 2. Enter the destination Host Address. Note: The Stream Path that displays is a combination of the host address and the publish point. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 118 Enter the Publish Point.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide storage device for instructions on saving video files to a USB storage device. Figure 124. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use a remote file server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event.
Digital Inputs Adobe Flash H.264 encoder with digital inputs To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, Output, and H.264 Presets tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 126. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Input field, select the video input. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the Niagara 9100 and your video source. 3.
Digital Inputs Figure 128. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 8. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 129). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Bob0 – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine. – Switches dynamically between the two modes as the content changes.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 130. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the source connected on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 3. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 131. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Enable Streaming to enable live Flash streaming. 2. Enter the proper IP address in the Server Address field. 3. Enter the Stream Name. 4. 5. Select the Authentication Type from the drop-down list.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Figure 132. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use the Flash Media server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 11. ViewCast Click Save Settings.
Digital Inputs H.264 Presets tab Each preset has multiple properties that you can edit. These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations. See Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings for a complete list of typical settings. Use the following table to configure the H.264 digital presets for a Flash encoder. Figure 133. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 settings: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide AVI encoder with digital inputs To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Digital Inputs Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 135. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Input field, select the video input. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your video source. 3.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 6. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 137). Figure 137. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 7. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 138). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Bob0 – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video.
Digital Inputs Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 139. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 130 3. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 140. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. You can: Use the default setting, Save to File, to save the encoded content to a file. Each time you start this encoder, the system overwrites the previous file. Click Create unique file to create a file that the system does not overwrite. 2.
Digital Inputs Figure 141. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use the streaming server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 3. 132 Click Save Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide MPEG4 encoder with digital inputs To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, Output, and H.264 Presets tabs to edit the settings.
Digital Inputs Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an MPEG encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 143. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Size field, select the pixel size of the encoded video from the pre-determined sizes in the drop-down list. You can also specify a custom size for your video.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 4. 5. 6. 7. See TS Container for steps on streaming to a TS container. Enter the frames per second in the Frame Rate field. Enter the kilobits per second in the Bitrate field. In the Format field, indicate the color space format. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 145). Figure 145. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 8.
Digital Inputs Table 3. MPEG encoder and container descriptions MPEG4 – MP4 MPEG-4 Part 2 is for situations where low bit rate and low resolution are mandated by other conditions of the applications, such as network bandwidth or device size. Examples of video applications for MPEG-4 are cell phones, some low-end video conferencing systems, and surveillance systems. MPEG-4 is important for legacy handheld devices that do not support H.264. H264 – MP4 H.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Table 4. Valid output container selections for video encoder types Container MP4 3GP N/A 3G2 TS ViewCast H.263 Video MPEG-4 Video H.
Digital Inputs Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 147. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the connectors on the back of the Niagara system and your audio source. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 138 Select the Overlay closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 7. Drag the slider to adjust the Volume. 8. (Optional) Select Mute Audio to silence audio. 9. Click Save Settings.
Digital Inputs Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog digital settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: This tab is dynamic depending upon which encoder you select on the Video tab. The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 148. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Enable Streaming to stream your audiovisual content via RTSP. 2. Set the appropriate streaming properties. Note: The default settings will enable multicast streaming.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 5. Select Create unique file to create a file that the system does not overwrite. 6. Accept the default location that displays in the File Name field or choose your own location for the file (Figure 149). To choose your own personal location select the link (horizontal ellipses or … ) to the right of the File Name field and display the options. Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles\ with a default file name of capture.mp4. Figure 149.
Digital Inputs H.264 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the H.264 presets digital input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 150. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced settings affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations. Refer to Appendix B: H.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide MPEG4 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the MPEG-4 presets analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 151. MPEG-4 Presets tab To configure MPEG-4 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced settings affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations.
Digital Inputs MPEG2 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the MPEG-2 presets analog input settings for an MPEG2 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 152. MPEG-2 Presets tab To configure MPEG-2 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced settings affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations. Refer to Appendix B: H.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Windows Media encoder with digital inputs To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, Output, and DRM tabs to edit the settings.
Digital Inputs Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for a Windows Media encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 154. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Size field, click the pre-determined size of the encoded video from the drop-down list. You can also specify a custom size for your video.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 3. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation. Figure 156. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of each field to return the setting to the default. 4. Click the De-Interlace settings you want to apply (Figure 157). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Bob0 – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine.
Digital Inputs Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for a Windows Media encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 158. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the source connected on the back of the Niagara system and your audio source. 148 2. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. 3. 4.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Microsoft® Windows Media is both a storage format and a streaming format. In addition to the ability to output to a file, the Windows Media encoder can stream to a Windows Media Server. The settings for Windows Media encoder include the ability to set parameters for connecting and streaming to the server. Some Windows Media Capture Profiles have pre-defined video resolutions and input selections.
Digital Inputs Figure 159. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Click on a Windows Media Capture Profile from the drop-down list. 150 2. Select Enable Pull. 3. Enter a port number that the server will use to pull the stream. 4. Select Enable Push. IMPORTANT! Be sure to enter a port number not already assigned to another encoder. If two encoders attempt to use the same port number, one or both encoders will fail to start. 5. Enter a port number that the server will use to push the stream.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles\ with a default filename of capture.wmv. Figure 160. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use the streaming server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 13.
Digital Inputs DRM tab You can protect your content using a technology called Digital Rights Management (DRM). Niagara SCX allows you to encrypt your content with DRM technology while you are encoding. You can apply DRM while encoding to a file and when broadcasting a stream. Users are required to obtain a license to play to content. This license contains the key to unlock the content and the rights that govern its use (Figure 161). Refer to Appendix A on how to set up and import a DRM profile.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide IP Inputs The current version of Niagara SCX adds the ability to accept Multi-Program Transport Stream (MPTS) and Single Program Transport Stream (SPTS) for all Niagara models via the Ethernet ports. IP ingest To enable IP ingest as the video source, you must either create a new encoder or edit an existing encoder. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical.
IP Inputs Video tab Use the following table to configure the video IP input settings. Figure 162. Video tab To configure IP ingest video settings: 1. Select IP Ingest from the drop-down list. 2. The Address and PID fields display under the Source field (Figure 163). Select the desired protocol from the drop-down list in the Address field. Figure 163. Address and PID fields Note: UDP and RTP are currently the only two protocols supported. 3.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Figure 164. PID field The PID displays in the format: Encode Type (PID X @ Prog# Y). X is the PID number and Y is the Program number. The PID appears green if the detect is successful. Note: The Size drop-down list defaults to the detected Input Video Size. You may change this value if you want to stream this video at a different size. 6. Select a PID from the Input Size drop-down list. 7.
IP Inputs interlaced image blending with very little artifacts. – Uses bobbing, but it attempts to recover additional spatial information by looking forward and backward in the video stream (uses previewous, current, and future frames). Figure 166. De-Interlace settings 10. 11. Select Add Statistics to overlay video statistics within the video stream for diagnostic purposes. Click Save Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio IP input settings. Figure 167. Video tab To configure audio settings: 1. The PID drop-down list is updated from the detect function on the Video tab. Make sure the Video Prog# and the Audio Prog# match. Select the PID. Note: The PIDs will not match. It is possible to have several Audio PIDs for a given Prog#. 2. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. 3.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide TS Container When you configure an MPEG4 encoder you can select MPEG2 Transport Stream as the container type for the Video Encoder. To enable TS container streaming, you need to create either a new MPEG4 encoder or edit an existing MPEG4 encoder. Note: The Type on the Encoders page (Encoders All Encoders) displays as 264. Streaming to a TS container Figure 168. MPEG4 encoder To configure TS container settings: 1.
TS Container 2. On the Output tab, Select TS as the Container Type. Figure 169. MPEG4 Output tab 3. 4. Click on the Video tab. Two additional fields display: Video Bitrate and Mux Bitrate. Select either: Video Bitrate and enter how much bandwidth to use for the video in the Bitrate field. Mux Bitrate and enter the total bitrate the stream will consume (video and audio) in the Bitrate field on the Audio tab. Figure 170. New Video Encode Settings 5. Click on the Audio tab. Figure 171.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 7. View all the bitrates on the Output tab in the MPEGTS Muxer Settings. Figure 172. MPEGTS Muxer Settings Note: The total isn’t simply Audio Bitrate + Video Bitrate. A small amount of overhead is built in ~10% of the Mux.
TS Container Streaming Streaming to a file with the TS container is the same for the other containers. Streaming is slightly different. Output tab Figure 173. Output tab Enable Streaming To configure streaming: 1. Select Enable Streaming on the Output tab. 2. Select the protocol. Currently only UDP and RTP are supported. Figure 174. Server Settings Scheme 3. 162 Select either: Unicast – To stream to a single computer or device. Multicast – To stream to many computers and/or devices.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Figure 175. Server Settings 4. 5. Enter the Destination IP (must be an IPv4 address). If you select Unicast, then the IP address can not be in the 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255 range. If you select Multicast, then the IP address must be in the 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255.255 range. Enter a valid Port. 6. Enter a Time to Live. 7. Click Save Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Encoder Groups Viewing encoder groups Encoder groups represent the cornerstone for streaming on the Niagara system. The Encoder Groups window (Figure 176), a subset of Encoders (on the Encoders window), allows you to view the list of encoder groups available for assignment to the Niagara system. Click Encoders Groups from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 176. Encoder Groups window A. Indicates the CPU usage. B. Click this link to create a new group. C.
Encoder Groups Creating encoder groups If two encoders try to use the same port number at the same time, an error will occur. Select the Create New Group link on the Encoder Groups window. The encoder groups fields display (Figure 177). Figure 177. Encoder Groups fields To create encoder groups: Enter the name of the group. 1. 2. 3. Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit. Note: It is possible to assign an encoder to two different encoder groups.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Starting an encoder group To start an encoder group, click the Start link to the right in the Start column of the group you want to start. The encoder group will start in a few seconds. The system displays any errors on the Starting window while the group starts. Note: With each encoder started, more system resources (CPU cycles) are consumed. It is recommended that the total CPU threshold not exceed an average of 80 %. Refer to the Setting CPU thresholds section.
Encoder Groups Editing encoder groups Select the Edit link on the Encoder Groups window. The encoder group fields display (Figure 178). Figure 178. Encoder Groups field To create encoder groups: Enter the name of the group. 1. 2. 3. 168 Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Additional Settings and Features Additional settings and features include: Machine properties Alerts Network properties System configuration settings Activity log Alerts External storage device Configuring machine properties The Machine Properties window (Figure 179) provides details on software versions, network name, serial number, and hard drive configurations. Click Configuration Machine Properties from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 179.
Additional Settings and Features Changing the computer name The Computer Name field contains the current network name for the Niagara system. This name is the same name you typed into the web browser to access the Niagara SCX web interface. To change computer name: 1. Click the Edit link next to the Computer Name field (Figure 180). Figure 180. Computer Name field 2. 3. The screen refreshes and the Computer Name field becomes an editable text field. Type in a new name for the Niagara system.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Changing the login password from the factory default The Niagara 9100 Properties section has two fields: User Name and Serial Number. Only the User Name field can be changed, which changes the User Password from the factory default (Figure 182). Figure 182. Properties section To change the login password: 1. Click the admin link in the User Name field. Note: The system displays a new window (Figure 183) that allows you to change your login password for the web interface.
Additional Settings and Features Configuring alerts Click Configuration Alerts from the menu bar on the home page. The Alerts Window (Figure 184) allows you to configure alerts for different situations that may occur during streaming or other operations. Figure 184. Alerts window 172 A. Click this link to configure email settings on the System Configuration Settings window. B. Click the Edit link next to the alert you want to change settings on. C.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Configuring network properties The Network Properties window (Figure 185) provides detailed information on the current network settings for the Network Card. Click Configuration Network Properties from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 185. Network Properties window Configuring network cards Each Niagara 9100 series system has two 1 Gbit network connections available on the Network Properties window, Network Card(s) field.
Additional Settings and Features Configuring IP address Depending on your system configuration, you may need to configure the IP Address (Figure 187). Figure 187. IP address To configure IP address: 1. Enable Use the following IP information. 2. Enter the appropriate information in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server fields. 3. Click Submit.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide IP Route table This window enables you to change the IP destination. Only experienced professionals should adjust these settings. Figure 189.
Additional Settings and Features System configuration settings The System Configuration Settings window (Figure 190) allows you to modify your default system settings. You can configure email settings to enable the system to send an email to predefined email addresses any time the system encounters an alert condition. You can also customize the information the system displays on the touch panel when the system runs in idle mode.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Setting current system configuration You can set the current time, date, and the video standard for all encoders (Figure 191). Figure 191. Current System Configuration To set current system configuration settings: 1. Click the Hour in the drop-down list. 2. Click the Minutes in the drop-down list. 3. Click AM or PM in the drop-down list. 4. Click the Change Date link. A calendar appears. 5. Click the date on the calendar. 6. Click the Video Standard from the drop-down list.
Additional Settings and Features Configuring email/SMTP settings Figure 192. Email/SMTP Setting fields To configure email settings: 1. Enter the email address you want the system to send the email. Separate multiple email addresses with a comma. 2. Enter a valid originating email address. 3. Enter a subject line for your email alert. To configure SMTP (mail settings): 1. Enter the SMTP user name for server access.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Configuring default directory setting The system stores audiovisual files when you select the Save to File option in the encoder profile in the Default AV folder. Refer to the Save to File option under the Flash Encoder Properties (Figure 193) sections for information on setting an encoder profile to create an audiovisual file.
Additional Settings and Features Setting CPU thresholds You may set the CPU Threshold field (Figure 194) to accommodate optimal encoding capabilities. You also may set the time between repetitive intervals for checking the CPU threshold. Figure 194. Encoder Startup Settings Note: ViewCast recommends a CPU threshold setting of 80% or lower.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Restore Niagara factory defaults Restore to Factory Defaults allows you to restore drive C to its original factory system defaults. This action removes all data (including stored files) on the primary drive and reinstalls the original factory image. Note: Select this option only if you wish to return your system to its factory defaults. Selecting this option erases all data currently stored on drive C and stops all currently running programs.
Additional Settings and Features Viewing the activity log The Activity Log records the encoder Start and Stop events (Figure 196). The system updates the log for every event including the date and time. To view the activity log, on the home page click Status View Activity Log. Figure 196. Activity Log window A. B. C. D. E. F. G. 182 Displays the system date and time stamps for each event. Indicates the type of activity. Select the types of activity you wish to view.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Viewing alerts Click Status View Alerts (Figure 197) from the home page. The system records the encoder events that register as alerts. The Alerts Window updates with every alert event on the Niagara system. The alerts include any specific alert events for the encoder. Figure 197. Alerts window A. B. C. D. ViewCast Displays the date and time that the alert occurred. Displays the message ID number for the alert and the description. Indicates the number of alerts.
Additional Settings and Features Connecting an external storage device Each Niagara 9100 series systems provide two USB ports on the rear panel and two on the front panel. You can connect almost any standard USB storage device to these ports. This allows you to export any audiovisual files you created on the local storage drive of the Niagara system. The encoder defaults to set the local storage drive D when you use the Save to File setting with the Niagara system’s web interface.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide SNMP This section provides installation and setup information for the ViewCast SNMP agent service. This release supports SNMP v1 and SNMP v2c. SNMP v3 will be supported in future releases. It is assumed that the SNMP agent service will be installed and run in the Niagara® system on Windows 7 platform.
SNMP External SNMP Manager With ViewCast SNMP agent enabled in each Niagara system, you can start a single SNMP manager at a central location to manage one or multiple systems at the same time. The external SNMP manager could be a GUI-based commercial or free application tool or an SNMP scripting tool. The SNMP manager is your choice.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service Installing for the first time Perform the following steps to install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service for the first time. To install SNMP Agent the first time: 1. Locate and run the ViewCast SNMP agent installation file, e.g. ViewCast SNMP Agent Installer_1.0.4.0.msi to install the ViewCast SNMP agent service. Note: If a previous version of ViewCast SNMP agent has ever been installed, see Installing new version of ViewCast SNMP Agent Service.
SNMP 3. Click Next. Figure 200. Installation Folder 4. Click Next. Figure 201.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 5. Click Next. Figure 202. Installation Complete 6. Click Close. After the installation is complete, the ViewCast SNMP agent will be installed as an Automatic (delayed start) service. After the next reboot, it starts automatically. Typically, you don’t need to reboot the machine after installation.
SNMP Installing new version of ViewCast SNMP Agent Service If a previous version of ViewCast SNMP agent is installed, then the following window appears and you need to uninstall the previous version before continuing. Figure 204. Windows Installer To uninstall a previous version of ViewCast SNMP agent: 1. Go to Start Menu Control Panel Programs and Features. Figure 205.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 2. Select and uninstall (or double click) ViewCast SNMP Agent as shown in the program list. Figure 206. Programs and Features dialog box 3. Click Yes. If ViewCast SNMP agent service is currently running, the following window displays. Figure 207. ViewCast SNMP Agent dialog box 4. 5. ViewCast Select to automatically close the application and click OK. The ViewCast SNMP agent will be stopped automatically and uninstalled.
SNMP Install and Configure Supero Doctor III Agent Service In order to monitor some devices in the Niagara system such as fan speeds, CPU temperature, system temperatures, etc., you need to install the third-party Supero Doctor III client and Supero Doctor III SNMPagent service (also called SuperMicro Health Assistant service) in the system. Note: Some fans on the Niagara 7550 may not be in use. You need to disable monitoring these fans to avoid receiving unnecessary SNMP traps on these fans.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Configure Supero Doctor III SNMP Agent Service Disable health monitoring for devices not in use While the Supero Doctor III SNMPAgent Service is running, you need to disable health monitoring for the devices, such as fans, that are not installed. To determine and disable devices not in use: 1. Run Supero Doctor III client by clicking Start All Programs SUPERMICRO Supero Doctor III client. 2. In Supero Doctor III client, click on the Item icon.
SNMP Enabling health monitoring for devices not in use To enable health monitoring for devices not in use: 1. Run Supero Doctor III client by clicking Start All Programs SUPERMICRO Supero Doctor III client. 2. In the Supero Doctor III client, click Item. The following figure displays an example on a Niagara 7550. Figure 209.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Configure ViewCast SNMP Agent Service Complete the steps in the following tables to configure ViewCast SNMP Agent service. When the configuration is complete, restart the system. Configuring community names To configure community names: 1. Run Windows service management tool services.msc 2. Right click on SNMP Service then click Properties. 3. Click on the Security tab. Figure 210. Security tab 4. Click Add to add community names.
SNMP READ CREATE has the maximum access right while the NOTIFY has the minimum right. Community names with NOTIFY permission can be used to monitor traps only, READ ONLY community names can be used to retrieve data only while READ CREATE ones can perform SNMP SET as well as GET requests, etc. Configuring permitted SNMP managers To configure permitted SNMP managers: 1. Run Windows service management tool services.msc right click on SNMP Service. 2. Click on Properties. 3. Click the Security tab.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 8. Add all the IP addresses at which external SNMP manager may run. Figure 214.
SNMP Configuring trap destinations To configure trap destinations: 1. Run Windows service management tool services.msc 2. Right click on SNMP Service then click on Properties. 3. Click on the Traps tab. 4. In the Community Name section, enter one of the community names that are defined through the Security tab, for example, notifypassword. 5. Click Add to list. Figure 215. Traps tab 6. In the Trap destinations section, enter the IP address of each trap destination at which the trap listener may run.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 7. After all the IP addresses under the trap destination section are added, click Apply. Figure 217.
SNMP Configuring SNMP Agent contact and location (optional) After community names, permitted SNMP managers and trap destinations are configured, you may configure the contact and location information for the associated SNMP agent. To configure SNMP Agent contact and location: 1. Run Windows service management tool services.msc 2. Right click on SNMP Service then click on Properties. 3. Click on the Agent tab. 4. Enter appropriate Contact and Location information.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Use UDP Port Other Than 161 for SNMP Requests The default UDP port used for SNMP requests sent from SNMP manager to SNMP agent is 161. The ViewCast SNMP agent supports the use of a different UDP port. To make this change, perform the following steps: 1. 2. 3. After ViewCast SNMP Service Agent is installed, go to the default installation directory C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\ Make a copy of file vcst_snmp_agent_cfg_example.
SNMP Disable IIS Logging for ViewCast Encoders Web Service In the current release, while the ViewCast SNMP agent is running, disable the IIS (Internet Information Services) logging for ViewCast Encoders Web Service. This step avoids the 10 G free hard disk space disk space from being filled by the IIS log files (which would take about three months). Enable the IIS logging for ViewCast Encoders Web Service only during the debugging of issues. It will be disabled as soon as the debugging is complete.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 6. Open Feature (Figure 220). Figure 220. Feature 7. On the right side under Actions, click Disable. Note: After IIS is restarted, the IIS logging for the EncodersWebService would remain disabled. 8. ViewCast Repeat steps 1 through 7 to enable the IIS logging for the EncodersWebService in case debugging is needed.
SNMP ViewCast SNMP Agent MIB Files By default, all standard MIB files and ViewCast private MIB files that come with the installation package will be installed into the following directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\ You may load the following MIB files into the SNMP manager tool. VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-MIB.txt (ViewCast private MIB) VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-TRAP-MIB.txt (ViewCast private) SUPERMICRO-HEALTH-MIB.txt ( 3rd-party MIB from SuperMicro Computer ) RFC1213-MIB.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Start/stop an encoder through SNMP Use the same steps to load and expand VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-MIB until .iso.org.dod.internet.private.enterprises.viewcast.avencoder.avencoderMIB.avencoderObjects.avencod erTable.avencoderEntry.avencoderCommand. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Set object ID to something like: .iso.org.dod.internet.private.enterprises.viewcast.avencoder.avencoderMIB.avencoder Objects.avencoderTable.avencoderEntry.avencoderCommand.77.80.69.71 where 77.80.69.
SNMP 5. 6. 7. Specify community such as setpassword with community right of READ CREATE. Select Set Value to start_all_encoders or stop_all_encoders. Send SNMP SET request message to the targeted ViewCast SNMP agent. Start SNMP trap listener 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 206 Locate the VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-TRAP-MIB.txt under C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\. Load the VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-TRAP-MIB.txt into the SNMP manager. Verify the Port field is set to 162.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Appendix A: DRM for Windows Media You can protect your content using a technology called Digital Rights Management (DRM). Niagara SCX allows you to encrypt your content with DRM technology while you are encoding. You can apply DRM while encoding to a file and when broadcasting a stream. Users will be required to obtain a license to play the content. This license contains the key to unlock the content and the rights that govern its use.
Appendix A: DRM for Windows To open a remote desktop connection: 1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection (Figure 221). Figure 221. Remote Desktop Connection 2. Click Options. The setting tabs display. 3. Click the Local Resources tab. 4. Under Remote computer sound, click Leave at remote computer option from the dropdown list (Figure 222). Figure 222.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 5. Click the General tab (Figure 223). Figure 223. General tab 6. In the User Name field, type scxuser. 7. In the Password field, type viewcast to connect the system using remote desktop. WARNING! When exiting from Remote Desktop Connection, do not log off. Instead, exit/close the session from the system. This step allows its internal programs to continue running. 8. Go into Windows Explorer and change the folder settings to show all files and show protected files.
Appendix A: DRM for Windows 10. Start the Windows Media Encoder application on the system (Figure 225). Figure 225. Starting Windows Media Encoder 11. When the New Session Wizard displays, click Cancel (Figure 226). Figure 226. New Session Wizard 12. Click Properties under the top menu bar (Figure 227). Figure 227. Properties tab 210 13. Click the Security tab. 14. Click Import and browse to the location of the DRM profiles on the system’s hard drive.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 15. Select the DRM profile you wish to import and click Open (Figure 228). Figure 228. DRM Profile 16. Repeat this process for each DRM profile you wish to import. 17. Exit from the Windows Media Encoder application when finished. Note: If the system prompts if you want to save your encoding session, click No option. 18. Disconnect Remote Desktop Connection from the system (Figure 229). Do not log out. Figure 229. Disconnect Remote Desktop 19.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings H.264 Presets In general, the Main Profile Default presets for the H.264 encoder Custom Presets will meet your streaming requirements. For devices with restricted bandwidths and under certain conditions such as low bit rates, motion specific, or constant bit rate applications, you may need to adjust the Advanced Encoder Settings values in each line. This section includes some information to help you select Advanced Encoder Settings.
Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings Baseline profile is for video conferencing and mobile applications and has the lowest demands on CPU load and memory usage, but the lowest resulting quality. Main profile is for standard-definition TV, while high profile is best for HD video. Note: You can use each profile for any resolution video with expected increases in video encode quality and corresponding impacts to CPU and memory.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Setting Explanation number to smooth out low bit rate video encodes. In general, values lower than -3 and higher than 3 are usually not used, but could be if so desired. LookaheadFrames This value is the amount of frames the encoder keeps in its buffers to perform various calculations.
Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings MPEG-4 Presets In general, the Main Profile Default presets for the H.264 encoder Custom Presets will meet your streaming requirements. For devices with restricted bandwidths and under certain conditions such as low bit rates, motion specific, or constant bit rate applications, you may need to adjust the Advanced Encoder Settings values in each line. This section includes some information to help you select those Advanced Encoder Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Settings Setting Explanation BFramesMax This value sets the maximum number of concurrent Bframes that you can use. More B-frames improve video quality but also increase CPU load, in some cases considerably. Setting B-frames to a value more than 0 changes the video encoding format from Simple Profile to Advanced Simple Profile. GOPSize This value sets the maximum interval between key frames.
Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings Setting Explanation compensation for any errors that arise in the motion estimation while encoding the video. The actual value of 256 corresponds to a value of 1.0 and is set to maximum as the default. MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison Setting this value causes the encoder to select the subpixel motion estimation comparison. 0 is the default for MPEG4 Simple Profile encoding because only Advanced Simple Profile allows for sub-pixel motion estimation.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Setting ViewCast Explanation optimal encoding: the higher the value, the better the video quality but the higher the CPU usage. This value can also improve visual quality at lower bit rates.
Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings MPEG-2 Presets In general, the Main Profile Default presets for the H.264 encoder Custom Presets will meet your streaming requirements. For devices with restricted bandwidths and under certain conditions such as low bit rates, motion specific, or constant bit rate applications, you may need to adjust the Advanced Encoder Settings values in each line. This section includes some information to help you select those Advanced Encoder Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Settings Setting Explanation BFramesMax This value sets the maximum number of concurrent Bframes that you can use. More B-frames improve video quality but also increase CPU load, in some cases considerably. Setting B-frames to a value more than 0 changes the video encoding format from Simple Profile to Advanced Simple Profile. GOPSize This value sets the maximum interval between key frames.
Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings Setting Explanation compensation for any errors that arise in the motion estimation while encoding the video. The actual value of 256 corresponds to a value of 1.0 and is set to maximum as the default. MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison Setting this value causes the encoder to select the subpixel motion estimation comparison. 0 is the default for MPEG2 Simple Profile encoding because only Advanced Simple Profile allows for sub-pixel motion estimation.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Setting ViewCast Explanation optimal encoding: the higher the value, the better the video quality but the higher the CPU usage. This value can also improve visual quality at lower bit rates.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup Setting up the network drive for a Niagara system to export files, requires setting up two administrator accounts on a remote PC where the shared folder will be located: One account for the username (for example, N9100) One account for the username SCXUser The shared folder is created on the remote PC with full access for both the Niagara system and the SCXUser.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup 12. Enable Password never expires. Figure 231. New User window 13. 14. 15. 16. Click Create. Repeat steps 5 through 13 to create the user SCXUser using the password viewcast. Click Close. The two new users appear in the users list. Figure 232. Added Users 17. In Computer Management, click Groups. Figure 233.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 18. 19. Double-click on Administrators. Click Add. Figure 234. Administrators Properties window 20. 21. 22. Click Add. The Select Users window displays. Click Locations. Select the PC, then click OK. Figure 235.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup 23. 24. Enter the name of the system (for example, niagara 9100) for the object name, and then click OK. The user name you entered in step 6 appears in the list of Administrators. Figure 236. Administrators Properties 25. 228 Repeat steps 19 through 22 to add SCXUser as an administrator.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide To create the shared folder: Note: The shared folder(s) must be created on the remote PC. 1. Open Computer. 2. Open the drive where the shared folder will be created. 3. Right click, select New, then Folder. Figure 237. Create new folder 4. Enter a name for the folder (for example, N7Share). Figure 238.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup 5. Right click on the folder, and then select Properties. Figure 239. Folder Properties window 230 6. Click on the Sharing tab. 7. Click Share. The File Sharing window displays. 8. Type a name and then click Add, or click the arrow to select someone from the drop-down list.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 9. Use the drop-down list under permission level for this user and select Read/Write. Figure 240. Read/Write permissions 10. Click Share. 11. Repeat steps 2 through 9 to add SCXUser to the Share Permissions. 12. Click Done. Figure 241. File Sharing window 13. ViewCast Click Close to close the share properties.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup To map the network drive: Note: Create a mapped network drive to the remote shared folder that will reconnect at logon. Once the mapped drive is created and the Niagara system is rebooted, you will be able to export to the network drive. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. On the Niagara system, open Computer. Under Tools, select Map Network Drive. Select a drive.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Appendix D: System Menu (LCD Display) This section provides information on the front panel LCD display. The display is informational only. You cannot perform any functions from the display. System status menu CPU Displays CPU information. Memory Displays memory information. HDD Displays HDD information including the HDDs in the system and network. Operating System Displays OS information.
Appendix D: System Menu (LCD Display) Monitor status menu CPU&Mem Used Monitors the usage of CPU and memory. Up Time Monitors the up time since the last boot.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Index Digital inputs, 126 Audio tab, 129 Output tab, 130 Video tab, 127 A Active Network Link field, 174 Activity Log window, 182 Adaptive Apple Analog inputs, 38 Audio tab, 43 Output tab, 44 Video tab, 39 Digital inputs, 95 Audio tab, 100 Output tab, 101 Video tab, 96 Adaptive encoder video stream table, 41, 57, 98, 106, 114 Adaptive Flash Analog inputs, 46 Audio tab, 51 Output tab, 52 Video tab, 47 Digital inputs, 103 Audio tab, 108 Output tab, 109 Video tab, 104 Added Use
Index C (cont.) Video tab settings, 70 Digital inputs Audio tab settings, 129 Output tab settings, 130 Video tab settings, 127 default directory setting, 179 email settings, 178 Flash Analog inputs Audio tab settings, 65 H.264 Presets tab settings, 68 Output tab settings, 66 Video tab settings, 63 Digital inputs Audio tab settings, 122 H.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide C (cont.
Index I (cont.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide R Rack Mount Safety Instructions, 3 Read/Write permissions, 231 Reboot Message, 170 Restart LCD menu, 12 Restore Factory Defaults, 181 Restoring factory defaults, 181 S Select a folder, 44, 52, 60, 67, 74, 82, 92, 102, 109, 117, 124, 131, 151 Select a Folder, 141 Serial number, 30 Setting CPU thresholds, 180 current system configuration settings, 177 up user accounts on a remote PC, 225 Smooth Streaming Analog inputs Audio tab, 59 Output tab, 60 Video tab, 55 Digital inputs
Index V (cont.
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